A State of Flow

I imagine putting my hand out of the car window and allowing my fingers to rise and fall in the breeze. It feels like such a moment of relaxation, to feel that flow.

Headspace has this to say: You may have experienced a flow state at some point — that sense of fluidity between your body and mind, where you are totally absorbed by and deeply focused on something, beyond the point of distraction. Time feels like it has slowed down. Your senses are heightened. You are at one with the task at hand, as action and awareness sync to create an effortless momentum. Some people describe this feeling as being “in the zone.” This is the flow state and it’s accessible to everyone, whether you’re engaged in a physical activity, a creative pursuit, or even a simple day-to-day task.

A more simple way to think of a state of flow is that we are fully present, focused, and relaxed. When was the last time you felt like that?

While work ethic is arguably a great trait to hold, so is the ability to reach a state of flow. The Bible reminds us in passages like 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 that self discipline is important, and frankly our American culture values work over just about anything else. But - the Bible also shares about Sabbath, the importance of rest, and the need to refuel. As early as the opening pages of Genesis, there are not suggestions - there are strict regulations on the importance of rest.

The summer naturally invites us to live in this rhythm of flow, to slow down and coast, to allow our body to heal and respond. How will you find the see-saw balance of Good Work to do, and Good Rest to have? How will you arrive at the end of the day, the summer, or even your life, having lived it fully?

May you be brave enough to find your state of flow.